This page is updated every Monday. On weeks when Monday is an observed holiday, the page will be updated on Tuesday of that week.
 
In accordance with Public Works Code, Article 16, Section 806, a written appeal may be made in regards to the removal of a tree within 15 or 30 days of the posting date (depending on the posting period).  Appeals must state the grounds for the appeal and may be sent to urbanforestry@sfdpw.org or mailed to San Francisco Public Works Bureau of Urban Forestry, 49 South Van Ness Ave, Ste 1000, San Francisco, CA 94103.
 
Our aim at Public Works is for San Francisco to have a thriving, robust urban forest. 
 
That is why we always look for all alternatives before choosing tree removal or approving a property owner's request for removal. However, removals are sometimes necessary to protect public safety, first and foremost, and to navigate the many challenges of growing trees in an urban setting.
 
We always look to see if a street tree is replantable in its current location, or closest available site.  If we have explored all options and cannot replant a street tree, that means the basin is not in compliance with Public Works Director's Order 187,246, as well as with the Minimum Guidelines which can be found on the Plant a Street Tree page.  Some common considerations that limit street tree replanting include sidewalk width, proximity to any existing infrastructure (street lights, traffic lights, stop signs, bus stops, etc.) and conflicts with any underground utilities. 
 
If Location IS replantable, tree will be replaced unless conflict with underground utilities is found. If conflict is found, replacement will be relocated or added to deferred replacement report if replacement location not found within 120 days.
 
If Location is NOT replantable, Replacement will be relocated or added to deferred replacement report if replacement location not found within 120 days.
 
Please note, photos and descriptions will be removed once the posting period has expired. Contact urbanforestry@sfdpw.org or 628-652-TREE (8733) with questions or for more information.
 
 

Active Appeals at the Board of Appeals

AgendaDistrictAddressAppeal No.Hearing DateDescriptionPermit and Hearing Nos.Links
     
 
  

 

  • District 1

    Site: 1

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Recent stem failure has left main trunk unstable. No suitable main trunk remains. Extensive sidewalk reapir will require significant root pruning. Matrue tree size is not suitable for site given overhead and underground utilities. Location is replantable. 

    Posting Period: 12/08/25 - 01/07/25

  • District 3

    Site: 1

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Significant decay in trunk with obvious termite damage and very poor structural capacity on tension side of lean. Past major limb/stem failures with obvious decay in wounds. Girdling curb against roots along slope further decreasing stem stability over road.Location is replantable.

    Posting Period: 12/08/25 - 12/23/25

  • District 4

    Site: 2

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Tree above retaining wall on top of hillside with uncorrected lean in sandy soils predicts high likelihood of failure. Tree has minimal compression wood development on leeway side of the tree which promotes tree stability. Second tree has two codomincant leaders and is in decline. High likelihood of major stem failure. Both trees can be replaced. 

    Posting Period: 11/24/25 - 12/24/25

  • District 7

    Site: 1

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: The tree has an unbalanced crown extending over the utility line, as well as multiple codominant stems in competition. It has undergone multiple prunings for utility clearance. The crown has lost more than 50 percent of its structure, is significantly unbalanced, and shows signs of poor previous pruning. Removal and replacement with an appropriate species is recommended. The site is suitable for replanting with a utility-friendly tree.

    Posting Period: 12/08/25 - 01/07/26

  • District 8

    Site: 1

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Removal of one (1) street tree with replacement. The tree is to be shifted south to  make room for garage, where footprint of edge of curb cut overlaps with exisitng small tree. The tree can be replaced in kind with large 5x5 basin due to small size and max stature of current tree.

    Posting Period: 11/24/25-12/24/25

  • District 9

    Site: 5

    Reason(s) for Tree Removal: Uncorrected lean over road with unbalanced canopy acting as cantilever. Past failures with obvious decay. Overextended limbs with poor unions. Sidewalk uplift requires repair with no room for expanded basin. Sidewalk girdling root crown. Location is replantable. 

    Posting Period: 11/24/25 - 12/24/25